The series, in partnership with Sandgate Cemetery, has sought to open lines of communication for Newcastle and Hunter families around the end of life.

The final session in the six-month pilot series will be held on Wednesday from 5pm at Sandgate Cemetery to cover what will likely be the most challenging issue of all - how to plan for the last year of life.

"They are tough questions," Compassionate Communities chairperson Jeanette Lacey says. But she says the topics of discussion for the small group session have come mostly from earlier meetings in the series and will help attendees find ways to approach the most challenging conversations around planning for the end.

"They are questions like 'My mum is turning 98 and doesn't want to talk about the end - how do I start the conversation?'," Jeanette says.

"Some are at a loss about how to even approach the subject with family and friends, let alone find the right words to have an in-depth conversation about it."

The series, which began in March, has covered topics like palliative care, funeral planning, support services and memoir writing.

It has been, in part, realising the Compassionate Communities vision of a city-wide care network.

When a neighbourhood loses someone, you see the community come together around that family, Jeanette explains. Compassionate Communities is about making a similar network connect a city.

Sandgate Cemetery manager Mark Franklin said the series was part of the Cemetery's Care and Wellbeing Program.

"These small gatherings will provide a wonderful opportunity for informed discussion in a supportive and safe environment," he said.

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